-What is your race?
Caucasain - primarily Northern European in descent (German, Scandinavian and English)
-Do you think that there is an explicit hierarchy at wotmania? If so, how does it break down?
Yes and no. I think it depends entirely upon who you're interacting with. Besides the obvious split between Admins and non-Admins, the hierarchy is a bit blurred. The Elder, Midbie and Newbie status is really rather arbitrary in its application. It's a combination of time at the site, visibility and general community agreement of the quality of participation.
-Do you believe that there is a hierarchy at wotmania, but it isn’t officially noted by anyone? If so, how does this hierarchy break down?
Yes, there is distinction between those who participated before the first big crash, a sort of inner community from the days of a smaller more intimate site. This I think is really the root of what now is the Elder, Midbie, Newbie categorization. It used to be those who were there before and those who came after as the tone and tenor of the site changed as it grew. The distinction remains as more and more of the "new" people gain that arbitrary community lable of "elder."
-Do the terms Elder, Midbie, and Newbie actually mean anything for a person, or is it just a title that establishes how long someone has been at the site?
Again, I think it depends on the persons involved in the title. For many newer people, the first time or two that a recognized elder or midbie lables them as a midbie is something of a rush. It can most definitely be used as an honorific. However, the true secret to this community is that if you really don't care about what label might apply to you, do your best to find a place, you'll have a place here.
-Do you think that the admins on the site are in higher standing than the other members?
Like Arok said, yes and no. When it comes to official business, there is no question that admins are in a higher standing. Of course, Admins have to answer to each other and to Gary and Mike on the Team MB.
When it comes to the day to day, I think that the status of the Admins are different on the different boards. On OF, for example, the more active Admins get a bit more attention because they are trying to drive/maintain the content and conversation on the board. On the Comm MB, the admins remain in the background for the most part, a police force and help when needed.
Also, I think that newer folks often respond in different ways when it comes to Admins. Some assume that Admins are of a higher status in all things, and some look to the admins and think... I can do what they do, and better too.
-In your opinion, do those who post on the Community MB think that they are “better” than those on the WoT MB?
For the most part, I think there is that general opinion held by a great number of Comm MB posters, those who post primarily or exclusively on the Comm MB. That distinction doesn't not just apply to the Comm MB as opposed to the WoT MB, but all the other topic MBs as well. Of course, that is not to say that it's the opinion of all posters by any means.
-In your opinion, do those who post on the WoT MB think that they are “better” than those on the Community MB?
Some do, and some don't. Often at OF we see an odd transition as newer folk go from thinking that the WoT MB posters are the cream of wotmania. The next step is often a growing interest in the OF MB, which eventually turns into an almost spuring of the WoT MB. Of course, this is just a generalization.
Thank you.
You are more than welcome, my friend. I hope my answers help.
OCWIATJ Forever